Unit Director

**CENTRE FOR TUBERCULOSIS RESEARCH**

**(CAPE TOWN)**

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) strives to improve the nation’s health and quality of life by funding and conducting relevant and leading health research. It further aims to promote equity, career development and progression. The organisation prides itself on six core values: pioneering, partnering, excellence, respect, integrity and citizenship.

**UNIT DIRECTOR**

Entry (Doctor), Competent (Associate Professor) or Seasoned (Professor)

**Duration: 5-year contract**

The post holder will assist with and form an integral part of the SAMRC’s transformation agenda.

The Unit Director position calls for a senior researcher with international standing, proven leadership skills and the ability to enhance and maintain the CTR’s national and international stature as a Centre of excellence through collaboration, capacity development and world class research.

**KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE**:

- Lead and manage the CTR in conjunction with SU HoD in line with objectives of the SAMRC and SU.
- Appoint and be responsible for management of Researchers and Support Staff within the framework of the SAMRC’s conditions of service.
- Build networks locally, nationally and globally to ensure participation in the global consortia to impact knowledge translations and impact policy.
- Stakeholder Management.
- Work together with SU HoD’s and PIs to develop a strategic plan for the CTR.
- Write and secure grants and contracts to undertake research prioritised for the CTR.
- Build capacity through supervision of MSc and PhD students.
- Oversee the regulatory compliance of the BSL3 laboratory.
- Unit strengthening through management of the SAMRC baseline budget.
- Advance transformation by mentoring and building capacity in accordance with the SAMRC and SU’s Employment Equity Plan.
- Report scientific outputs, achievements (quarterly and financial statements (annually) to the SAMRC.
- Disclose any intellectual property to the SAMRC.

**MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE**:

- A PhD in Microbiology, Biochemistry Immunology, or other related field or a Medical Speciality.
- At least 10 years’ experience in research in the field of Tuberculosis or Infectious Diseases, of which 3 years must be in senior leadership and/or management capacity.
- NRF rated or evidence of international recognition in a focal area within the field of Tuberculosis or infectious disease.
- A track record of research, grants, publications - national and international (at least 50 lifetime publications (ISI journal articles, editorials or book chapters)).
- Extensive experience in the management of projects, including the development of a multi-year programme of work.
- A track record of working effectively with relevant government departments, national and international partners, funders and other stakeholders.
- Evidence of research translation efforts and international leadership in the field Stakeholder engagement
- Leadership skills and experience in mentoring and managing a research unit or department.
- Presented research findings to international and national conference audiences, including as an invited faculty or keynote speaker.
- Led a programme of research (at any time having multiple conceptually linked projects).
- Strong interest in capacity strengthening at the international, national and regional level.
- A track record of capacity building of emerging scientists through graduating Masters and PhD students and training staff in relevant research methods; track record of contributing to transformation initiatives.
- Human resource and financial management.
- Experience in leading a unit or department
- Staff management experience
- Financial and risk management experience.
- Excellent interpersonal relations and communication skills.

**PREFERENCE**:

- A track record in executing high quality Tuberculosis/infectious disease research.
- Excellent track record in supervising and evaluating Tuberculosis/infectious disease research.
- Recognition internationally as a researcher in an area of Tuberculosis/infectious disease research.
- Experience in leading projects with multi-million-rand research budgets.
- Experience in capacity building of the next generation scientist.
- An established network of researchers both locally and internationally.

The SAMRC offers a total cost-to-company remuneration package that will be negotiated in accordance with qualifications and experience.

**Closing date: 04 October 2024 at 16:30pm**

PLEASE QUOTE THE REFERENCE NUMBER (**R781A**) IN ALL COMMUNICATIONS. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT YOUR SUBMISSION WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED SHOULD YOUR APPLICATION NOT BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE REQUIRED INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTATION.

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